HI there cruisers, I am trying to determine wether or not to sign up for shore excursions ahead of time or waiting until on board and or looking for deals in ports..we are sailing on NCL "Pearl" on March 6 ..we are stopping at Samana,St thomas,tortola and great stirrup cay...I would like to do one catamaran excursion,,any reccomendations? Is it possible to get off the boat and just go to nearby beaches and swim and snorkel?sightsee on our own? etc.. suggestions welome.

Jim, if you want to do a catamaran sail then i would definately book that thru the ship, main reason being that if for some reason your excursion is running late, the ship will wait for the excursion to return, if you book on your own, and something happens you could be waving your ship goodbye, if your ship offers the Champagne Catamaran sail-away in St. Thomas, do that, it is a great treat

Personally, I like to book & pay in advance so all I have to do is enjoy myself! Youe don't have to worry about transportation to & from, don't have to worry about time or getting lost! I bring a little souvenir/food money with me and enjoy.